Dear Church Family: 

If all goes as planned – we will have enjoyed a few days of sun and warmth on a cruise with Michael, Gloria, Zachary and Alyssa – and we will be back in Davison (that is unless I develop an addiction for sun, blue skies and warm temperatures). 

 In a few days we will begin our observance of Lent.  Lent is a period of forty weekdays (no Sundays) in which the church examines itself and prepares to celebrate the wonder of the Resurrection.  Lent is observed in many ways:   Some people fast – or at least fast from a particular type of food (i.e. chocolate).  Others observe Lent by taking on a new discipline (Scripture reading, prayer, doing a kind deed a day).  There is not a right or wrong way to observe Lent – instead there is the opportunity to examine our faith and to practice ways of becoming more God-like in our living.   

 How will you observe Lent 2010?

 Lent is a wonderful time to do some extra reading, and we have many wonderful titles in our Church Library.  Ruth Whitman keeps our library current – and is continually adding new titles.  Have you checked it out recently?  There are some wonderful books by both Max Lucado and Philip Yancey.      There are some great fiction series (“Left Behind”, “Zion Chronicles”, etc.).

 It seems rather frequently in my Second Hour Discussion Group that I mention C. S. Lewis’s “Chronicles of Narnia”.  Originally written as a children’s series, they have become extremely popular with adults, as well.  There are seven books in the series.  While it is easy reading – it is certainly thought provoking as we discover the Gospel in a new light.  Try them out – you will enjoy them.

Don’t hit me for mentioning Christmas – but I have really come to enjoy Joe Wheeler’s “Christmas In My Heart” series.  Joe is featured on Focus on the Family – and the stories he shares are just plain good reading.  There are at least fifteen volumes and two “The Best of Christmas in My Heart”.  I have five of the books, plus the two “Best Of…” books.

 What do you read?  Does it encourage you?  Does it discourage you?  Does it frighten you?  To whom would you recommend your reading material?  Who are those to whom you would NOT recommend your reading material?

 Speaking of reading material – we occasionally place some Christian reading material on the counters in Calvin Hall.  These are for you to take if you wish.  We don’t encourage “secular” periodicals, etc. because they are so readily available elsewhere and we wish what you find here to enhance your faith.

Happy Valentine’s Day, and I pray you will enjoy a most meaningful season of Lent.

 Your pastor,

 Bob

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Musically Speaking            February 2010

Greetings!

Now that we’re actually traveling the roads of 2010, things are marching along quickly.  Both choirs have been learning some new selections that will be useful either immediately or as we begin to experience the season of Lent.  We’ve been a bit challenged by parts of some of the arrangements and I’ve tried to be sure that this is a growing experience, rather than an exercise in frustration and groaning!   

It has been a real joy to watch people shift positions in both the Chancel Choir and St. Andy’s Ringers, since the Holidays.  As I told you last month, we have people scheduled to come and go this winter resulting in the need to reconfigure our assigned seats and bells at times.  Not only are we surviving, but we’re growing a little at the same time.  Sometimes it’s good to walk in another person’s shoes and thereby better understand what goes on in their part of the choir.  Plus, it’s often nice to settle back in our old familiar territory once the temporary assignment has completed.  It’s all good – Win-Win!

Many of you have been asking how I’m doing physically.  I have great news!  I have been to the University of Michigan Hospital this week and I’m being scheduled for a Pace-Maker with a fairly complex configuration to monitor and control several functions in my heart.  It is believed that, within several weeks following the procedure, the benefit will be an improved quality of life into the future.  This could take place in early February and have me somewhat “normal” by springtime.  I realize there are quite a few of you that really wonder what “normal” means in relation to Merle!  Thank you for being concerned and openly communicating your kindness to Linda and I.

Semi-related to the above paragraph, I have begun a personal study of Max Lucado’s writings on “Fearless”.  I received the book and study materials for Christmas, including his devotional book called “Fear Not for I Am Always With You”.  I’d like to quote one of the pages, because it seems very applicable to what I’m feeling right now and I know many of you have “been there” or are currently traveling your own personal road of unknowns.  Max quotes from the scriptures – “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20 NIV … then he adds this thought to reassure us … “We expect Jesus to come in the form of peaceful hymns or Easter Sundays or quiet retreats.  We expect to find him in morning devotionals, church suppers, and meditation.  We never expect to see him in a bear market, pink slip, lawsuit, foreclosure, or war.  We never expect to see him in a storm.  But it is in storms that he does his finest work, for it is in storms that he has our keenest attention.  We cannot go where God is not.  Look over your shoulder; that’s God following you.  Look into the storm; that’s Christ coming toward you.” 

Last month, I shared with you that one attribute I wanted to work on in 2010 was to “listen” for God’s input in my life a lot more.  It was inspiring on this last trip to U of M Hospital to listen to the nurses, technicians and doctors communicate with each other and with patients.  Disregarding all the political pros and cons of the last two or three years, I will have to admit it’s been necessary to realign many priorities and return to basics.  I’m beginning to think maybe there’s a renewed sensitivity to each other’s needs as we enter each new day.  I close with the question, “What have I said or done today to spread news of the most precious Gift of all time to those with whom I come in contact?”  Just maybe I   can help someone else live a little more “Fearless”, just by having come in contact with me! 

God Bless –

Merle